New Defender's Study Bible Notes

2:2 shamefully entreated. The Thessalonians were well aware of Paul’s beating and imprisonment at Philippi shortly before he and Silas had come to Thessalonica (Acts 16:22-24). Paul had not been intimidated, but proceeded on to preach the gospel in the synagogue at Thessalonica, where he and Silas soon again encountered opposition (Acts 17:1-9).

2:9 labouring night and day. In order to avoid any appearance of self-serving in their evangelistic ministry, Paul and Silas did not preach in order to secure money for their support. They earned their sustenance by their own labor, possibly by making and selling tents (note Acts 18:3).

2:18Satan hindered us. The power of Satan is strikingly indicated here, in his ability on at least two occasions to prevent Paul from returning to minister to his recent converts at Thessalonica. Perhaps, however, God worked it all together for good, in that Paul was thereby constrained instead to write this epistle to them, followed by another of equally eternal significance.

2:19crown of rejoicing. The “crown of rejoicing” is probably one of the rewards in view at the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10; I Corinthians 3:14). Others include the “incorruptible crown” (I Corinthians 9:25), the “crown of righteousness” (II Timothy 4:8), the “crown of life” (James 1:12) and the “crown of glory” (I Peter 5:4).

2:19presence of our Lord. Since the Thessalonian believers had come to Christ as a result of Paul’s ministry there, their presence in the Christian host when Christ returns would of itself be a great reward to Paul—his crown of rejoicing. The same, no doubt, will apply for all who will have the joy of seeing those whom they have had a part in leading to Christ there in His presence when He comes again.